[bookavore]

Quite possibly my favorite book display of all time

[mariesbookblog]

@friscolibrary

[friscolibrary-deactivated202001]

Hmmmmm…

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Booklist alert! All of these titles are inspired in some way by Shakespeare: they might update the story to modern times, tell the original tale from a new character’s perspective, mix multiple plays together, or dial up the paranormal elements.

I’ve cheated a little bit and included adult & even middle-grade books as well, but the majority are YA. Unsurprisingly, there are LOTS of Romeo & Juliet inspired ones, but Macbeth & Hamlet are actually pretty close behind. My personal fav, Julius Caesar, doesn’t make any appearances at all. That probably means I should write a version of it transposed to a modern high school setting, right? Right. Enjoy, and click on the book title to place your TPBL hold!

Keep reading

[acst-reads]

Lost of people midway through the Maze Runner trilogy (and the Kill Order) and talking about stories where the characters don’t know who to trust. So....interested in fast-paced escapes with baddies everywhere? Try these four in our collection.

[barrylyga]

I am beyond thrilled to show off the cover to my upcoming middle-grade novel, The Secret Sea! Complete with extremely kind words from none other than R. L. Stine!

Coming in August!

[captainfalconie]

me

[acst-reads]

It seems like Harry Potter has been back of the shelves again this spring, so there must be a fantasy and adventure itch that students are scratching. If you’ve finished all several thousand pages of Harry give these four titles a try. All are first in series and all will supply you with your magic and epic fix.

[lawrencepubliclibrary]

Happy Dr. Seuss Day!

[acst-reads]

This is the time of year you need something a little longer....an epic, maybe. Try this one on for size.

[yainterrobang]

LIST OF THE WEEK: Ten must-reads for Lunar Chronicles fans + Scarlet giveaway

If you’ve already sped through Stars Above and you’re looking for something similar to The Lunar Chronicles to tide you over until Wires and Nerve hits the shelves later this year, look no further! We’ve rounded up a list of ten must-read series for fans of The Lunar Chronicles. Whether you love the series for its diverse ensemble cast, its fairy tale origins, or its blend of scifi and romance, there’s something here for everyone.

Plus, to celebrate the end of our Scarlet readalong, we’re giving away a paperback copy of Scarlet along with 10 Lunar Chronicles shimmer tattoo sheets!

For more fun lists and all things YA lit, visit our website, follow us here and on Twitter, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! For more on each book, or if you need a text-version / captioned version, visit the list on our main site.

Visit YA Interrobang to enter and win Scarlet + Lunar Chronicles swag!

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The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

Release date: March 29, 2016

More than anything, Quinn wishes his life was more like the movies. There would be witty banter and he’d never make an awkward fool of himself. Somewhere there would be a cute love interest waiting for him and he would be just as smart as he was handsome. Most importantly, Quinn would have some idea how to function after the sudden loss of his sister. There’s a formula for writing screenplays, a “hero’s journey” and it would be really nice to know that he was on that kind of path; that this was the tragedy before he became Spiderman and saved a thousand children or something.

But, Quinn is, at most, a writer of films, not a character in one. So, he’s totally at a loss as to what he’s supposed to do with himself without Annabeth. His current plan is to stay in his room and hide from the world that is featuring a giant hole where she should be. Too bad his best friend Geoff is not going to let this plan continue through their summer.

It’s hard to do things and meet people that he can never tell his sister about; especially when he meets Amir. But, even if he’s not on a hero’s journey, Quinn will have to figure out how to continue on his path (complete with first kisses, unfinished screenplays and a reunion with his childhood role model) without Annabeth by his side.

This is a book that has a definite voice. Quinn’s voice reminded me a little of Greg’s in Me, Earl and the Dying Girl, because he’s sharp, a little acerbic and knows who he is even when he has no idea how being that person is any good to anyone. Also great is Quinn and Geoff’s relationship,who are understanding and forgiving of each other’s nonsense in the way real friends are. The Great American Whatever is funny, awkward and a great and true read.

More to read:

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

The Breakfast Club Week: The Brain

Friday Lit Spotlight: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson– a rave

Simon Week: Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

[acst-reads]

A bunch of you have been asking for funny stuff lately and have particularly been keen on pencil drawings, notebooks & diaries and that kind of thing. All the James Patterson Middle School stories are getting passed around and giggled about. Try these on...

[lawrencepubliclibrary]

Books for Fans of Harry Potter

For our recent Harry Potter Night event, I made an epic list of books for fans of Harry Potter, which includes books for younger readers just discovering the stories for the first time, as well as older readers who have grown up with the series are are like GIVE ME MORE. These are magical adventures sure to keep you entertained as you wait for that recently announced new book to come out this summer! 

So, here’s your epic Harry Potter reading list! 

Adult Fiction

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

“The tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.” SOUND FAMILIAR? If you’ve been hesitant to dip your toe into adult fantasy, start here.    

Perdido Street Station by China Mielville

This gritty novel about a scientist and and otherworldly creatures has an amazing steampunk-esque setting. This is perfect for readers who most loved learning about all the places in the Harry Potter world, and those who like dark, cerebral fantasy tinged with horror. 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

This story of Kell, a rare magician who has the power to travel between realms of four interconnected Londons with varying degrees of magic, and Lila, a pirate without a ship, is full of clever and witty writing, memorable characters, and a fantasy world with a unique magical system. Highly recommended! 

Unwritten: Tommy Taylor and the Ship that Sank Twice by Mike Carey

Tom Taylor is often confused for Tommy Taylor, the wizard in a popular fantasy series. Strange parallels in their lives, however, soon have him wondering if there’s something more going on… a great graphic novel for Harry Potter fans! 

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Often explained as “Harry Potter: The College Years”, this is the story of a young man who grew up obsessed with a magical fantasy stories, only to unexpectedly get accepted to a famous magic school. Perfect for those still waiting for their letter from Hogwarts. 

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

This whimsical historical fantasy about a young magician who scorns her element and training, only to save the day in a great adventure. 

Dragonflight by Anne McCafferty

If dragons were your favorite part of Harry Potter, check out this classic fantasy novel about a young woman and her dragon who must save their land.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Lamora is an orphan who grows up to be the city’s most beloved con artist. A caper novel set in a richly detailed fantasy city, this is a fun, witty romp for fans of fantasy.

The Rook by Daniel O’Malley

This offbeat and sardonic novel is part urban fantasy, part thriller. Secret agents in a paranormal version of Britains MI5. Full of cheeky humor and lots of adventure. 

(These adult books are a good fit for most teens, too). 

Young Adult Fiction

Shadows by Robin McKinley

Set in an alternate America in which magic has been genetically removed from the population and made illegal, Maggie struggles to hide what she can see in the shadows. Fans of Hermione will love Maggie’s vulnerable wit. 

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Feisty characters, a unique magical system, and tons of adventure make this a perfect book to hand fans of Harry Potter. 

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

This isn’t your normal boarding school! This Victorian steampunk fantasy follows Sophronia as she learns the art of poisons and alongside lessons on manners. Supernatural, funny, and full of adventure. 

The Prince of the Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

In 1943, in a seaside town where their family has gone to be safe from war, thirteen-year-old Max and his sister Alicia, with new friend Roland, face off against an evil magician is this eerily creepy story.

The Hero at the End of the World by Erin Claiborne

Fans of “Chosen One” tropes will love the way this novel turns this on its head. Sarcastic and witty with a fun magical world, this is perfect for readers who have read all the Harry/Draco fanfic and are still hungry for more. 

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

A half-muggle teenager acquires new powers, meets hunky boys, and saves the  world. More atmospheric than romantic, this is a fun paranormal mystery. 

Woven by Michael Jensen and David Powers King

A princess and a ghost set out on a journey to find a magic needle that can sew the ghost back to his life. 

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

If Harry Potter fans are craving stories set in non-Western worlds, this one fits the bill. The story of a Nigerian girl who learns she has latent magical powers teams up with new friends to defeat a killer (but she still plays soccer, too!). An original and highly engaging fantasy. 

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

After the suspicious death of her mother in 1895, sixteen-year-old Gemma returns to England, after many years in India, to attend a finishing school where she becomes aware of her magical powers and ability to see into the spirit world. Atmospheric and steamy! 

Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel, daughter of the necromancer Abhorsen, must journey into the mysterious and magical Old Kingdom to rescue her father from the Land of the Dead. Bonus: talking cats! This high fantasy is a classic for a reason. Pro tip: the audiobook is amazing! 

The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

Political games meet magical intrigue in this fantasy debut, perfect for readers who loved the large cast of characters and multiple perspectives of Harry Potter. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Hardcore HP fans will love Cath’s journey to reconcile her fandom life with her real life when she goes off to college.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Let’s be real, this is Harry Potter fanfic. And it’s a great homage to the original. 

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

The author wrote this as an answer to the question, “what would Harry Potter have looked like if it featured non-white kids from the inner city?” With a unique magical world, lots of action, and a refreshingly diverse cast, this is a great new young adult urban fantasy novel. 

Middle Grade Fiction

All those Buzzfeed and Flavorwire type lists of books for fans of Harry Potter usually only list the really big names in children’s literature - the types of books that the adults writing them loved when they were kids. We dug a little deeper and also included some recent releases of magical, fantastical middle grade books that younger readers will enjoy - especially those who aren’t ready to read the later books that are the more young adult, darker side, yet. 

So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane

Half Magic by Edward Eager

The Forbidden Library by Diango Wexler

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

The Oracle at Delphi Keep by Victoria Laurie

The School of Good and Evil by Soman Chanani

The Bell Between World by Ian Johnstone

Time out of Time by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Story Thieves by James Riley

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Magyk by Angie Sage

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin

Find these book in the Lawrence Public Library catalog. 

Happy reading! - molly 

[acst-reads]

So....yeah. He died, had his head removed and is now back, all in only five years. Not bad, but a lot can change in five years. A lot can stay the same as well. Travis has to figure all this out. Quite great stuff. Come and get it.

[americanlibraryassoc]

David Bowie READ Poster re-issued

We had a lot of people asking if it was possible to re-issue the David Bowie READ Poster from 1987 so the ALA Graphics staff went back to the archives and worked on getting permissions and finding art files and they were able to bring the poster back for a limited run. 

This is truly one of the most iconic READ Posters we ever published :-) And it’s a wonderful chance to once again celebrate the life and art of such a genius.

You can get a copy here (The poster ships in February)

[lawrencepubliclibrary]

Books for Fans of The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

This year, the kids’ selection for Read Across Lawrence is The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex! We’ll be hosting all sorts of events throughout the month that tie-in with the book. See the full slate of events here!  Space Travel + Aliens ● George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Stephen and Lucy Hawking ● Larklight, Or, The Revenge of the White Spiders!, Or, To Saturn’s Rings and Back!: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space by Philip Reeve ● What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt ● The Doom Machine by Mark Teague Galactic Graphic Novels ● Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke ● Earthling! by Mark Fearling ● Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack ● Astronaut Academy by Dave Roman Funny Sci-fi ● Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson ● Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies by Andrea Beaty ● Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce ● My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie) by David Lubar Scientist Stories ● Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka ● Tesla’s Attic by Neal Shusterman Classic Sci-fi ● The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron ● Tripods by John Christopher Stellar Nonfiction ● Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space by Dominic Walliman ● Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Sone ● Life on Earth and Beyond: an Astrobiologist’s Quest by Pamela S. Turner

Find all of these titles in the Lawrence Public Library catalog! 

[acst-reads]

The John Green titles are all looking a bit worn, and with good reason: you’ve read them and read them because they’re great. These four covers are all in excellent shape, so come and get ‘em.

[acst-reads]

We have loads of fantasy fans, especially in the middle school. If you’ve been wondering what’s next for you, I think The Mark of the Thief just might be it. It’s book one in Jennifer Nielsen’s new series and it mixes together Ancient Rome, mythology, magic and mysteries in just the right amounts. Good stuff! (Oh, and book two is on its way!)